University Star

Jacob Lack has been going to the Coffee Pot Bistro every day since he moved to San Marcos a year ago, taking advantage of the bistro’s convenient location for studying.

Adriana Martinez, psychology freshman, studies Nov. 5 at the Coffee Pot. The popular studying destination will relocate next year after operating at its current location since the 1990s.

“The place where I live has a crappy internet connection,” said Lack, sociology junior. “So, when I need to do homework I come here.”

However, Lack and other frequenters will have to enjoy the coffee shop at a new location in a few months. The Coffee Pot will be leaving its 129 East Hopkins Street #100 location, where it has operated since the 1990s. It will reopen at 221 Guadalupe Street, which was formerly occupied by Fresh Cubed.

The Coffee Pot will leave its space in January at the request of the building’s owners. They said because the building is currently in need of major repairs, the Coffee Pot’s rent would have to be raised.

“The whole thing is that we have to do significant remodeling,” said Travis Kelsey, who co-owns the space and neighboring Taproom Pub & Grub. “The building is 120 years old, and it has some structural problems. The cost of remodeling would put the Coffee Pot in a situation that would force them to pay higher rent.”

The installation of a new sprinkler system would be among the repairs. Kelsey said the addition would be a very expensive endeavor. He said the reason is it could potentially mean rearranging much of the building’s plumbing, electricity and structure.

Kelsey is still unsure about what will open in the Coffee Pot’s place. He said it depends on the modeling and repairs. However, Kelsey said he and his partner are waiting on information from architects, the fire marshal and building inspectors. After receiving the information, the co-owners will know if they should expand Taproom or rent the space to a new business.

Sara Marie Nadeau, owner of the Coffee Pot, said she understands why Taproom’s owners would want to expand into the building her business is currently located in. She said, in her opinion the Coffee Pot has the best location on The Square.

“All the other bars are expanding out and up,” Nadeau said. “Harper’s keeps going up, and the guy who owns One 41 owns Black Rabbit, so I can understand why (Taproom) would want to expand.”

Nadeau said the Coffee Pot’s new location will boast a larger kitchen, and will offer an expanded drink menu with beer, wine and liquor alongside their typical coffee fare. Nadeau hinted at joining forces with Dirty Dogs, a late-night business owned by her brother, and offering some of their signature hot dogs.

“We’re really going to step up what we do for breakfast, lunch and dinner,” Nadeau said. “We’re going to take what we’re already doing and do more.”

Kelsey still has high hopes for Nadeau and the Coffee Pot.

“The way things are on The Square, rent is affordable,” Kelsey said. “It’s a great business, and very established. I’m glad (Nadeau) could find a place, it’s a great thing for her, and I’m excited for the future of her company.”

Lack said he will continue to frequent The Coffee Pot after the move. He did express some disappointment at the new location’s absence of a patio.

“It won’t have this patio, and that’s not good for us smokers,” Lack said. “Or maybe it is good for us smokers.”